With over 40,000 residents, Marion is one of the largest cities in Linn County, second only to Cedar Rapids. Well known as a manufacturing hub, the city and its economy has been steadily growing due to a revitalization spearheaded by the community. “Years ago, we had to decide what sort of city we wanted to be,” says Jeanne Matthews, a Realtor with Skogman Realty. “We don’t have a river, we don’t have a casino. We do have a fabulous historic district. Everyone got together as a community—from the public to the private sector—to decide how we wanted to grow.” This level of personal attention fostered a sense of community that Matthews says is essential to living in Marion. “Everyone steps up to the plate because they care.”
Manufacturing is a major industry in the area, with Rockwell Collins counting itself among the top employers in the city. Other job creators include the city government, Marion Independent School District and the local hospital system, including UnityPoint Health St. Luke’s Hospital and the Mercy Medical Center.
Marion is the second largest city in Linn County, behind only its neighbor Cedar Rapids.
Marion residents take pride in their city and the community it involves.
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New homes in Nottingham Hills
The median price for homes in Marion is in the high $200,000s, below the national median in the low $400,000s. Willowridge is known for its condos. Midcentury-style homes are in central sections of town, like the neighborhoods outside Starry Park and Marion High School. Bowman Hills has some of the latest 21st-century Contemporary Craftsman designs lining its streets.
Many century-old homes in the center of Marion have been updated and renovated.
Larger contemporary homes are found in the sprawling outskirts of Marion.
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High marks at Marion Independent School District
The Marion Independent School District has five public schools within the city and an overall A-minus grade from Niche. Iowa’s open enrollment options are a point of pride within the district. “Roughly 41% of our total attendance is open enrollment, which indicates that nearly half of our students have sought out our district specifically,” says Dr. Janelle Brouwer, Superintendent of Marion Independent School District. “We look at the interests and needs of the student rather than trying to fit them into existing programs,” she says. The Linn-Marr and Cedar Rapids Community School Districts also serve the area. Linn-Marr receives an A-minus from Niche, while Cedar Rapids has a B.
Mount Mercy was founded in 1928 by the Sisters of Mercy. It is a private Catholic university with 1,600 students and a respected Doctorate in Nursing program. Founded in 1851, Coe College is a private liberal arts university with 1,300 students. The Coe Writing Center is the largest student-run writing center in the country, featuring undergraduate writing consultants from nearly every major on campus.
Marion High School is one of two high schools in Marion.
Linn-Mar Schools serve the northern half of Marion.
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600 acres of nature, sports and relaxation
Marion has over 600 acres of public land and facilities across 22 parks and open spaces. These communal amenities include everything from flower gardens and splash pads to baseball fields and playgrounds. The city is approving the construction of an aquatic center, expanding the outdoor swimming pool with slides, a lazy river and an obstacle course. The Trust for Public Land estimates that over half of Marion’s residents live within a 10-minute walk to a public park.
The area also includes several golf courses, including Hunters Ridge and Indian Creek. Prospect Meadows is a baseball and softball complex that hosts regional and statewide competitions and tournaments across eight full-sized baseball fields.
Thomas Park is a city park that features a splash pad, disc golf course, and an expansive playground.
Marion's parks includes miles of paved trails that meander throughout the city.
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Celebrating local heritage at the Swamp Fox Festival
The city is known for its Swamp Fox Festival, a celebration of history named for Revolutionary War hero Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion. The annual weekend event includes live entertainment, a car show and a 5K race. Dozens of artisans and other exhibitors gather in May for the Marion Arts Festival. The one-day event includes live music, food vendors, a large variety of original works of art and a 5K race.
Local cultural institutions include the Granger House Victorian Museum and the Marion Heritage Center, which are open year-round.
Curated shopping uptown
Marion’s historic uptown commercial district is known for pedestrian-friendly walkability on sidewalks surrounded by 19th-century brownstones now converted to storefronts. The area offers a handpicked shopping experience, with storefronts approved by local government based on their appropriateness for a family friendly environment. “We’ve curated the businesses that come into the historic district--there’s a finite amount of space,” says Matthews. “We’ve got home décor, ladies’ boutiques and many cutting-edge businesses.” The largest cluster of franchise shopping and big box stores is just outside of the Marion limits on the way to Noelridge Park.
Uptown Marion is known for historic architecture and recent and future improvements.
Hip-stir is one of several Marion spots that locals love to frequent.
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Zero-elevation streets
Route 151 cuts through the city, creating a straight line to Cedar Rapids, some 7 miles southwest. Eastern Iowa Airport serves over a million travelers a year, with direct routes to cities like Chicago, Denver and Atlanta. After a request from the public, the city developed zero-elevation streets for the uptown. These completely flat roads make strollers and wheelchairs more user-friendly and less tiring.
Important to know
According to FBI stats, Marion’s violent and property-based crime rates are less than half of the state and national rates and dropped between 2022 and 2023.
The area has cold winters and warm, humid summers. Its highest average temperatures are in July, with the lowest in January.
Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Anne Sheridan
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Marion, IA sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Marion, IA over the last 12 months is $290,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautiful ranch built by Donohoe Custom Homes w/over 3,200 fin.sq.ft. of thoughtfully designed living space combining comfort, functionality, & timeless style. Main level features an open-concept layout w/natural light, white-oak wood floors, stunning stone fireplace, custom built-ins, & expansive windows overlooking the backyard. Chef's kitchen showcases quartz counters, large
Built in 2016, this well-maintained ranch offers 2,380 finished square feet with 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and an attached 3-car garage. The open main level features a spacious living room with a built-in gas fireplace, formal dining area, breakfast bar, and convenient first-floor laundry. The primary suite includes a private bath, while the thoughtfully designed zero-entry layout and
Built in 2021 and tucked away on a cul-de-sac, this thoughtfully upgraded ranch offers 6 bedrooms, two dedicated home offices, and smart switches throughout the home. The open concept floor plan features a stunning kitchen with quartz countertops, a large center island, custom cabinetry, pantry, coffee bar with floating shelves, and a living room highlighted by tray ceilings and an electric
Custom-built ranch offering comfort and space throughout! Step inside to vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, oversized windows, & a stunning floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. The kitchen is designed to impress with custom cabinetry, beautiful countertops, stainless steel appliances, a gas cooktop, double ovens, an oversized island, & a dramatic stone accent wall. Just off the main living area, the
Welcome to 6341 Revival Alley in Marion's desirable Rookwood Estates, a thoughtfully designed community featuring solar-ready homes, walking trails, a pond, dog park, playground, and green spaces throughout the neighborhood. This rear-load townhome offers stylish, low-maintenance living with durable plank flooring, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, crown molding, and quality
Welcome to your inviting Marion home featuring a spacious, airy and bright floor plan. If being very close to Novak Elementary School and Linn-Mar Middle and High Schools is important to you, then you'll love this Meadow Glen property. This well-maintained home greets you with vaulted ceilings and skylights, flooding the space with natural light. The kitchen and dining area flow seamlessly into
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained ranch in the desirable Timber Creek neighborhood of Marion! From the moment you arrive, you’ll appreciate the impressive curb appeal, spacious 3-stall garage, and welcoming entry. Inside, the open-concept main level features soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, hardwood floors, and a stunning living room with custom built-ins and a cozy fireplace.
Located in a growing Marion neighborhood, this like-new home offers modern finishes, a functional layout, and a setting that stands out. Situated on a corner lot and backing up to city-owned property, you’ll enjoy added privacy and open space behind the home. Step inside and you’re welcomed by impressive 10-foot ceilings and an open-concept main floor filled with natural light. The kitchen was
Welcome home to this spacious and well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home offering 2,046 square feet of comfortable living space in a desirable Marion neighborhood! The inviting main level features an updated carpeted living room centered around a cozy gas fireplace, creating the perfect gathering space for family and friends. The kitchen is designed for both everyday living and entertaining
Built in 2020, this beautifully designed ranch home offers over 2,595 finished square feet of modern living space with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and an oversized 3-car garage. The open-concept main level features 1,545 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, creating a seamless and stylish feel. The spacious kitchen is the heart of the home,
Welcome home to this well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo offering 1,736 finished square feet of comfortable living space in a peaceful Marion location. The inviting kitchen features attractive wood plank flooring, plenty of cabinet space, and all kitchen appliances are included, making move-in a breeze. The spacious living room offers a ceiling fan and a sliding glass door that opens to the
Located in the heart of Marion’s historic district, this charming turn-of-the-century duplex offers character, space, and strong income potential. Conveniently situated near uptown Marion, local shops, and community amenities, this property is ideally positioned for both tenants and investors alike. The upper and lower units each offer 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, providing spacious layouts that
Welcome home to this spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bath ranch in the highly desirable Linn-Mar School District! Designed for comfortable everyday living and effortless entertaining, the open-concept floor plan features a welcoming living room with a cozy fireplace and a beautiful kitchen complete with granite countertops, abundant cabinetry, and all appliances included. The private primary suite offers a
Welcome to 3787 Rueben Dr in Marion, IA. This ranch-style home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2,190 sq. ft. of open-concept living that blends comfort, style, and functionality. Step inside to a bright foyer leading past two spacious bedrooms and a full bath—perfect for guests, family, or a home office. The kitchen features white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a large island
Azure Apartments is a larger apartment complex with a variety of unit sizes. Unit sizes range from small one bedroom to three bedrooms, with limited two bedroom two bathroom floor plans with in unit washer and dryers. Upon entering each unit you will be greeted with fresh paint, vinyl/tile/ or plank flooring in the bathroom and kitchen, and plush carpet throughout the bedroom, hall, and living
*COMING SOON: Building B Apartments! Come and check them out soon!*Luxury Living Meets Everyday Convenience – East Marion, IowaWelcome to the beautiful East Town Apartments, an ultra-modern, pet-friendly apartment community located in the heart of Marion’s fast-growing East Side. These beautifully designed one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences offer open floor plans and an
Meadowview Apartments in Marion offers great apartments at great prices. Our apartments are conveniently located within minutes of shopping, groceries, dining, entertainment and public transportation. Our quiet apartment community offers studios, one bedrooms, two bedrooms and two bedrooms /one ½ bath apartments. These apartments have great layouts to choose from with spacious floor plans, ample
If you are in the market for a smaller quite property, Grand View Apartments is for you!This location has one and two bedroom options available overlooking Marion baseball diamonds. Upon entering your unit you will find fresh updated paint, vinyl, plank, or tile flooring in the kitchen and bathroom, and soft carpet throughout the living area, hall, and bedroom(s). The open floor plans
Explore Creekside Apartments in Cedar Rapids, IA. Located in Kenwood Park, our pet-friendly community is close to dining and boutiques. Choose from studio to three-bedroom units with efficient appliances, hardwood floors, and air conditioning.
Welcome to Seasons View Apartments in Marion, where you’ll discover fantastic living at excellent prices! Our prime location ensures you’re just minutes away from shopping, groceries, dining, entertainment, and public transportation, making life easy and convenient.Our peaceful community features spacious one-bedroom, 1.5-bath units designed for comfort and style. We take pride in
Quiet, Comfort, Affordability. Quiet convenient new community located just off Highway 100. All of our homes come with all appliances. We offer several spacious floorplans in a beautiful new community. With an on-site professional management team and 24-hour emergency maintenance. Come make Regal Townhomes your new home, with included garages and washers and dryers.
Discover the finest apartments in Marion, Iowa at Chapel Ridge of Marion. With a quiet, yet convenient location, top-notch amenities, and five-star service, you'll love living here! Enjoy our landscaped grounds that feature an outdoor swimming pool, playground, as well as a beautiful clubhouse. At Chapel Ridge of Marion we offer one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartment homes, at our
Discover spacious two-bedroom apartments featuring a main bathroom and a convenient half bathroom off the master bedroom. Enjoy a separate, larger eat-in kitchen equipped with all the essential appliances. With gas heat and central air, you’ll stay comfortable year-round, and best of all, a garage is included!Located in a quiet area just a couple of blocks from the NE Lindale area, you’ll
Welcome to Waterford Arms Apartments, where you’ll find great living at unbeatable prices! Our prime location puts you within walking distance of Lindale Mall, offering easy access to shopping, groceries, dining, entertainment, and public transportation.Enjoy the tranquility of our quiet community with spacious one-bedroom units, perfect for making yourself at home. We pride ourselves on
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